FMDH Takes Measures To Protect Community

Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital is taking all possible measures to protect our staff and patients. At this time, FMDH is asking for cooperation from the community to help us achieve that purpose. Please do not come to the hospital if you do not need medical care. Access to the FMDH facility is currently limited to those with appointments for essential services, with the exception of the Emergency Department.

There will be no walk-in care available in the Glasgow Clinic, Laboratory or Radiology. Patient care departments will be contacting patients to reschedule non-emergent appointments. 5th Avenue Pharmacy will have prescriptions available via the drive through window only.

For the past several weeks, FMDH has been forming strategies to continue to care for our patients. Part of these strategies is to limit services that are not urgent or emergent. Restricting visitors and limiting staff to direct patient care areas are also the results of those strategies. For example, you will not be able to walk in and pay your bill or browse in the Gift Shop because no staff will be present in those areas. FMDH must be able to preserve our resources. This means people, as well as supplies, in case this illness continues for an extended period. FMDH leadership is working closely with the Valley County Health Department and the Valley County Health Officer to coordinate plans and be consistent in the guidelines and recommendations we are following.

In an effort to further protect our staff and patients, the Environmental Services crews are increasing the number of times they are disinfecting our high touch areas (these include, but are not limited to, door handles and handrails in public areas). The cleaners that the hospital uses are EPA-certified to work against Coronavirus as well as all the other germs that are currently circulating. Signs in all common areas and entrances instruct people to wash their hands and wear a mask if they are experiencing respiratory symptoms (coughing).

As declared by the Centers for Disease Control, hand washing with soap and water is one of the best ways to fight the spread of this virus. Check the label of household cleaners to make sure “coronavirus” is listed as one of the germs it is effective against.

FMDH fully realizes this is a very difficult time for everyone. The number one thing we can do for each other is to comply with the recommendations of state and federal experts. Stay home as much as possible while this illness is occurring, especially if you are ill. And don’t forget to wash your hands!